All credit to Tom Griffin and Blackhill who presented their pitch for this final in tip top shape, and also to John McArdle, ref. Malachy Treanor and his officals and the CountyBoard for his organisation for this Final.
The weather was not looking good but we got through the match with only a slight shower.Both teams served up a brilliant game of hurling and it was touch and go throughout the whole game.Monaghan Harps struck first with a brilliant free from Conor McCrystal. For the first 15 minutes the Castleblayney lads were under pressure. Monaghan Goalie Aaron Treanor was outstanding for Monaghan Harps. Declan Hughes at full back and Cian O’Connor in goals kept the Harps at bay in the first half. Then Logan McQuillan started to find his range with two very good points. Robbie Hanratty and Craig Callan were outstanding in mid field and Stephen Beattie a strong wall at centre half back. Ben Carville and Mark Brennan had their best game this season and nothing went bye them.
In the second half Castleblayney started to get on top with the aid of a strong wind.Craig Callan hitting the bar and David Irwin the post. The ball broke in the square and Joshua Mone riffled the net.Niall Hughes and Jack Morris fought hard at corner forward. Ciaran Duffy, Declan McNally, Jack Madden and Adam Collins all played their part in this great win.vJosie Hughes and Jake McManus did Trojan work in the half back line feeding the forwards for some very good points, Josie Hughes scoring a brilliant final point leaving the Final Score 1-5 to 0-1 to Castleblayney.
Manager: Noel McGuigan
Mentors: David Murphy and Stephen McQuillan
Medic: Lorraine McGeough.
